The Notebook

The Notebook

2004PG-132h 3m
Blu-ray
/ DVD

Overview

Details

Two young lovers are torn apart by war and class differences in the 1940s in this adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' best-selling novel. Their story is told by a man who, years later, reads from a notebook while he visits a woman in a nursing home.

You may also like

Reviews

age 14+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this three-hanky World War II-era romance has pretty steamy sexual content for a PG-13-rated movie, including very passionate kissing and a fairly graphic lovemaking scene (though only shoulders are shown). A teenage couple agrees to have sex, but then she becomes very flustered and anxious, and an engaged girl has sex with a man who isn't her fiance. Characters drink and smoke; there's also brief battle violence and some poignant deaths. Teens will be watching with rapt attention to pick up clues about what true, passionate love looks like, but this type of sensual story may not be appropriate for the youngest teenagers.

Sexual
Content

Steamy passion between the two young lovers. Lots of making out and heavy petting, and characters undress in front of each other (only their shoulders are shown). A fairly graphic lovemaking scene (again, just shoulders visible, plus a brief glimpse of breast from the side).

Violence

Noah and Finn are engaged in active duty during World War II. There's a bomb raid that incurs heavy losses. Ali nurses soldiers who have lost limbs. Noah and Ali fight passionately -- so much so that she hits and slaps him. Some poignant deaths.

Language

Words/phrases used include "damn," "crap," "goddammit," "son of a bitch," and "pain in the ass."

Social
Behavior

The movie's ultimate message is that true love conquers all. But there are also less-positive takeaways influenced by the time in which the movie takes place -- people of color are often portrayed as subservient, and both Ali and her mother say: "I am a stupid woman," as though repeating a truism that they have learned.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol

A 17-year-old smokes a cigar. Adults drink cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Noah goes on a 10-day drinking binge. Characters drink in excess to ease pain or to lessen their inhibitions. Most meals are accompanied by alcohol.

Age appropriate

Not an issue

Depends on your child and your family

Parents strongly cautioned

Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

How it works

1

Create your list

Browse from thousands of movies and shows.

2

Free delivery

We send out your disc the next business day.

3

Watch and repeat

Free returns, plus no due dates or late fees.

Unlimited movies sent to your door, starting at $7.99 a month.

Since 1998, DVD Netflix has been the premier DVD-by-mail rental service. Make your movie list and get Blu-rays and DVDs conveniently delivered to you with free shipping both ways. Most of our subscribers receive their discs within two business days. Start your free trial today.